Unlocking PAPE in Football: Effects of Eight Weeks of French Contrast Training on RSI, Sprint Performance, and Anaerobic Profile

Gümüşhane Universıty28 enrolled

Overview

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week French Contrast Training (FCT) intervention on reactive strength index (RSI), sprint performance, and anaerobic profile in elite youth football players

This study was designed as a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the chronic effects of French Contrast Training on neuromuscular performance and anaerobic capacity. A total of 28 elite male youth football players were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The intervention lasted 8 weeks, with performance assessments conducted pre- and post-intervention.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Athletic Performance Neuromuscular Adaptations

Interventions

French Contrast Training + Standard football training (8 weeks)OTHER

Participants in the experimental group performed French Contrast Training twice per week for 8 weeks, including heavy resistance, plyometric, loaded power, and assisted exercises.

ControlOTHER

Standard football training

Eligibility

Sex: MALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 25 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Minimum 3 years football training * ≥80% training attendance * Injury-free for 6 months * Licensed academy player Exclusion Criteria: * Musculoskeletal injury * Neurological disorder * Additional training programs * Ergogenic aid use

Locations (1)

Gumushane Univetsity

Gümüşhane, Trabzon, Ordu, Giresun, Rize, Artvin, Gümüşhane, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Reactive Strength Index

The pre-test and post-test Relative Strength Index (RSI) values of the sample group were obtained using the countermovement jump (CMJ) test. Participants started from an upright standing position on the platform with their feet shoulder-width apart and hands placed on their hips to eliminate arm swing. From this position, they were instructed to perform a rapid downward movement by flexing the hips and knees, immediately followed by a maximal vertical jump without any pause between the eccentric and concentric phases. Participants were required to keep their hands on their hips throughout the movement and to take off and land with both feet while attempting to jump as high as possible.

Time frame: 8 weeks

Anaerobic Power

Anaerobic profile (anaerobic capacity and fatigue index values) of the football players were assessed using a mechanically braked cycle ergometer connected to a computer and compatible software Wingate 894E test system. Prior to testing, the saddle height and pedal position were individually adjusted for each athlete to ensure an approximately 10% knee flexion angle at the lowest pedal position. After entering the athletes' descriptive information into the computer, the resistance load was automatically calculated by the system as 75 g per kg of body mass and subsequently applied to the ergometer's braking mechanism

Time frame: 8 week

Secondary Outcomes

Sprint Performance (10-meter)

The 10-meter sprint performance of the football players was assessed using a photocell timing system (Optojump, Microgate, Italy). Two pairs of photocells connected to an electronic timing system with dual-beam functionality and a measurement accuracy of ±0.001 s were positioned at the start and finish lines along a straight 10-meter track, with the sensors mounted 90 cm above the ground to ensure precise detection of the participants' movements. Participants began each trial from a standing start position, with one foot placed slightly forward, positioned 50 cm behind the starting photocell gate to standardize the initial stance.

Time frame: 8 week

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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